Name: Sandoval
Sex: M
Race: Spanish
Occupation: Student
Aliases:
Affiliations: Students’ Association
Background
Sandoval is a Spaniard who traveled from Spain to the Philippines and is currently a student.
Story
Chapter 14: Sandoval is first introduced as one of the students attending the meeting at Macaraig’s house concerning the petition for the Academy for Spanish. They wonder if it will be approved, and Sandoval cheers everyone up by saying Capitan General won’t allow himself to be influenced by friars. He asks Pecson for facts, but Pecson explains a time in history wherein the Provincial of the litigating order was chosen by Capitan General to settle a dispute between friars and people.
Sandoval and Pecson start arguing, Sandoval asking why they would reject something that is necessary. Pecson points out that it threatens the integrity of the nation, and that the government does not want Filipinos to be able to understand each other. He says that since they want the class hours to be at night, the petition will be rejected for being “immoral”. Sandoval says that the Academy of Design classes, as well as novenas and processions take place at night also.
Pecson says the petition attacks the University’s dignity. Sandoval argues back that it’s the University’s job to listen to the needs of the students. He tells everyone that the Spanish government does not deny anything, so the Philippines is run the same way. Sandoval says everyone should trust the government since times are changing. The students are inspired and start clapping.
Pecson asks Sandoval what will happen if Capitan General denies the authorization. Sandoval says their efforts will not have been in vain as they will have been enlightened and that they achieved a lot by “pulling off the mask and having the gauntlet thrown at you.” Pecson asks what happens afterward.
Sandoval says that if no Filipinos respond to the challenge, then he will do it and fight for the Philippines. The crowd cheers for Sandoval. Pecson argues that Sandoval can say that and not be seen as subversive because he is Spanish.
The students, Sandoval included, become quiet to listen to Macaraig tell them about his conversation with Padre Irene. When they learn that Don Custodio is now in charge of the petition, the students decide together that Isagani will talk to Senor Pasta, who can help convince Don Custodio.
Chapter 21: Sandoval attends the opening of the play at the theater, having been invited by Macaraig to share his box. Sandoval goes with Macaraig, Pecson and Isagani and they bump into Tadeo outside the theater. Since Basilio wasn’t able to come, Tadeo takes his place and joins the group.
Chapter 22: Sandoval sits together with the other students in Macaraig’s box. They notice Pepay in the box across them and she is smiling at them. They think it means she has good news and that she was able to influence Don Custodio. Sandoval tells the other students that he asked around and heard that the Superior Commission approved the petition. He, Macaraig and Pecson are happy about the news.
While watching the play, Sandoval translates what is happening and pretends to know French, even though he only understands because he read the synopsis. He tells the rest of the students that Getrude will lead the can-can dance. When the students see Serpolette smiling at Padre Irene, who is in disguise, Sandoval tells them that he noticed Padre Irene talking to the actresses before.
As the play goes on, the music stops and the female characters on stage talk about someone being missing. Sandoval explains to his fellow students that they are talking about where they should dance the can-can.
After the first act, Sandoval stays in the box during the intermission and says that French isn’t as beautiful as Spanish. He asks Pecson to name a good French poet and Pecson mentions Victor Hugo. Sandoval says Victor Hugo is only good because he spent his childhood in Madrid.
Later, Macaraig arrives looking upset. He gives a paper to Sandoval, and it is a letter from Don Custodio to Pepay. The letter explains that Don Custodio had made his decision and Pepay reached him too late, but that he resolved the matter according to the wishes of her “proteges”. Macaraig explains that religious corporations will be in charge of the Academy. Everyone is disappointed. Pecson says Sandoval should pick up the gauntlet (referring to his line in an earlier chapter) and Sandoval says it is more like a sock.
Because Padre Irene suggested they celebrate, the students decide to do so and Sandoval says it will be a banquet of funeral speeches. Sandoval leaves with the other students as the second act of the play starts.
Chapter 25: Sandoval is one of the fourteen young men who gather in the Panciteria Macanista de Buen Gusto to ironically celebrate the disappointing results of the petition. The students all laugh and joke with each other to cover up their anger. While everyone else talks about the play, Sandoval is quiet and studies the surroundings and food. Sandoval notices a sign telling diners not to leave anything on tables and chairs, and jokes that the sign sounds like a poem that Isagani should see.
Later, Sandoval says he does not like the lumpia because it has grease outside and tough pork on the inside. As everyone starts talking about friars, Sandoval sings a song that makes fun of friars. The students, including Sandoval, become quiet when they realize they are being watched by a spy of Padre Sibyla.
Chapter 26: On the day after the incident, Sandoval is seen by Basilio while on the way to the University. He ignores Basilio.
Chapter 32: It is revealed that Sandoval’s “oratory skills” allowed him to pass his exams, making him the only student involved in the poster incident to pass all courses.
Physical Description
Sandoval’s physical appearance is not described, although knowing his race, he most likely has typical Spanish features.
Personality
Sandoval is one of the few Spanish characters to show a deep compassion for Indios, treating his fellow Indio students as friends and equals. In Chapter 14, he even swears to fight for Indios if they will not fight for themselves. He is not afraid to debate with friends but is respectful even toward those he disagrees with. Being Spanish, Sandoval lacks self-awareness at times and often does not realize that he receives better treatment because of his race. This privilege is shown when he is the only student involved with the Association to pass his exams. Although it is stated that he passed due to his oratory skills, it is likely that his race was also a factor. Because of his sheltered life, he is very optimistic and even certain that the students’ petition will be approved.
When he is arrested, however, Sandoval is shown to be distant and aloof, even ignoring Basilio when they see each other. This contradicts his earlier claims that he would fight for Indios.
Skills
Oration
Sandoval is very good at public speaking and debating, openly arguing with Pecson in front of many other students. He easily manages to get the crowd to side with him and cheer for him by making big claims, like how he will fight for the Indios, even though he cannot prove his statements. Because of his speeches, the students (except Pecson) become more confident that the petition for the Academy for Spanish will be approved. It is said that he is the only student to pass the exams (even though he was arrested) because of his “oratory skills”.
Relationships
Beliefs
On Hispanization
“We weep when you weep, we suffer when you suffer.” (Sandoval on Spaniards and Indios, Chapter 14)
Sandoval is very patriotic about his country, Spain, and openly supports the petition for the Academy for Spanish. He thinks Spain is superior to France, and in Chapter 22 claims that the French language doesn’t sound as beautiful as Spanish, and that France has not produced any good poets. He views the Philippines and Spain as united and believes that if the Philippines suffers, Spain suffers too.
On the Government
Because the Philippine government is run by Spain, Sandoval’s love for Spain leads him to believe that the government is dependable. He tells the students that the Spanish government has given them everything and not denied anything, and announces that since times are changing, they should trust the government.
Trivia
Quotes
“The University has to dedicate itself to the needs of the students. And if this be true, what then is a University?” (Chapter 14)
“Un fraile, dos frailes, tres frailes en el coro,
Hacen el mismo effecto que un solo toro!”
(One friar, two friars, three friars in the choir-loft
Has the same effect as one solo horny bull!) (Chapter 25)
